Apple’s long-rumored smart home accessory, combining features of a HomePod and an iPad, is confirmed to be in development, according to code discovered by MacRumors in Apple’s backend.
This new device, identified as “HomeAccessory17,1,” represents a new category within Apple’s ecosystem. The identifier resembles the HomePod’s “AudioAccessory” tag, indicating a related but distinct function.
The “17,1” identifier suggests that the device might be equipped with Apple’s upcoming A18 chip, the same processor expected in all four iPhone 16 models later this year. With the A18 chip, the HomeAccessory device could utilize advanced Apple Intelligence features.
Additionally, the code indicates that this “home accessory” will run a variant of tvOS, similar to the HomePod.
The code also mentions two unreleased Apple TV models, labeled AppleTV14,4 and AppleTV14,5, leading to speculation of an updated Apple TV release in 2024.
This new smart home device is expected to be designed to control HomeKit devices, make FaceTime calls, and more. It will be Apple’s take on the Meta Portal, merging the HomePod speaker with a low-end iPad, featuring a special UI for accessing the Home app, FaceTime, and other apps for smart home use.
The post Leak seemingly confirms development of new Apple smart home device first appeared on The Apple Post.
Original Article Published at The Apple Post
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